Daily life and social customs

Because Canada is so diverse historically and ethnically, there is no single national culture; the melting-pot ideal of the neighbouring United States is translated in Canada as something of a stew, with distinctive flavours from the hundreds of influences that make up the larger Canadian culture. Although French and English share official-language status, the particular culture of an area is generally a reflection of the dominant language; thus, French influences are confined largely to Quebec and New Brunswick. Canada’s aboriginal peoples also maintain their own distinctive cultures, particularly in the North, and immigrants have both integrated into Canadian daily life and continued to maintain some unique elements of their ancestral homelands. Still, the country unites to celebrate Canada Day (July 1), which commemorates the formation of the country in 1867.

British and American influences are strongly felt in Canadian daily life in English-speaking portions of the country. Quebec’s French culture is perhaps most noticeable through its distinctive architecture, music, and cuisine. Dishes popular in French areas—for example, poutine (french fries covered in gravy and topped with cheese) and meat pies such as tourtières and paté à la rapure (with beef, chicken, or clams)—are uncommon elsewhere in Canada under those names, though a French tourtière shares most of the ingredients of a comfortable English roast-and-potato supper, french fries with gravy or malt vinegar are a favourite snack wherever they are available, and both French- and English-speaking Canadians are likely to enjoy pizza, tandoori, or Chinese food as much as any presumed national dish. Quebec is also among the world’s leading producers of maple syrup, and sweets laced with maple sugar are common throughout the country.

Canada’s native peoples were long stigmatized and placed on the periphery of national society—and drug and alcohol addiction was common on many reserves—but more recently they have attempted to recapture their traditions. Indian art—such as stone and bone sculpture, basketmaking, and carving—is particularly popular. Most of the best arts and crafts exhibit unique characteristics that identify the region in which they were made. Native festivals and ceremonies abound, and this increased social activism has led to political gains.